"Proclaiming the Good News of His Salvation From Day to Day." Psalm 96:2

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Week 1 Questions for 2019 Bible Reading Plan

It’s a new year, time to get into our bibles. To help us get the most out of our daily readings using the 2019 New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs Reading Plan I’ve written one question for each day’s reading. At the beginning of the year, I pray that God will richly bless you as dig into His holy word.

Week 1 – Jan. 1 – 4

Jan. 1 – Luke 1; Psalm 1

Luke’s stated purpose in compiling his narrative of Jesus’ life was so Theophilus might “have certainty concerning the things [he had] been taught” (v. 4). As you begin your journey through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs what to you hope to learn and discover?

The first Psalm stands as a kind of introduction to the rest of the book. It touches on two subjects that continually occur throughout the Psalms (and all scripture for that matter): the blessedness of the righteous and the misery of the wicked. Briefly contrast the life of the “blessed” and “wicked” persons. Do you see the qualities and blessings of righteousness in your life? Why or why not?

Jan. 2– Luke 2; Proverbs 1:1-7

In New Testament times, shepherds were considered outcast of Jewish society. Nevertheless, it was to these men that the angelic host proclaimed the birth of the Messiah and stating, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (ESV). To whom does God assure peace in v. 14? Why to them? What sort of “peace” is God offering through Jesus? (Consider Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14, 17; Colossians 1:20)

First, underline or highlight Proverbs 1:7 in your bible. Imagine you’re talking to an unbelieving family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker. How might they misunderstand what it means to “fear the Lord”? In what way(s) would you go about explaining the profound meaning of this Proverb?

Jan. 3– Luke 3; Psalm 2

Luke’s genealogy of Jesus begins with Joseph and reaches all the way back to “Adam, the Son of God.” Luke is stressing not Jesus’ Jewish genealogy (as does Matthew) but rather His humanness. Take a moment and reflect on this: Jesus became like one of us (cf. Philippians 2:1-11). How does this deepen your appreciation of Him?

Psalm 2 shines its poetic spotlight on four vivid scenes relating to humanity’s mutiny against God: Human Rebellion (vv. 1-3), Divine Reaction (vv.4-6), Divine Rule (vv. 7-9), and Human Responsibility (vv.10-12). Based on this Psalm, complete the following sentence: Since God is sovereign over the nations, I will… (Think of several resolutions.)

Jan. 4– Luke 4; Proverbs 1:8-19

On the surface, Jesus’ temptations appear to have little resemblance to ours. Yet Hebrews 4:15 tells us He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are.” Think of a temptation you struggle with and write it down. In what way(s) is it like one of Jesus’ temptations from this passage? How will you battle your temptation in the same manner your Savior did His?

Here is a warning against enticement by sinners, who will succeed if the son fails to embrace wisdom. Hone in on vv. 8-9, by virtue of being parents, fathers and mothers bear a great responsibility in nurturing wisdom in the lives of their children. What sort of wisdom should parents teach their children? How best can it be taught? What are some consequences to parents if wise living is not instilled at home? (consider Proverbs 17:21, 25)